2005 CHRYSLER CARAVAN fuel additives

²Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
²American Petroleum Institute (API)
²National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
API CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE SYMBOL
Use an engine oil that is API Certified (GF-3) and
Licensed to display the certification mark (Fig. 2).
MOPARtprovides engine oils that meet or exceed,
Material Standard MS-6395 requirement.
SAE VISCOSITY
SAE 5W-20 and SAE 5W-30 engine oils are rec-
ommended for all operating temperatures.
These engine oils are designed to improve low
temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy.
Refer to the engine oil filler cap for the pre-
ferred engine oil viscosity grade for each vehi-
cle (Fig. 3).SAE viscosity grades are used to specify
the correct viscosity oil for an engine. Use only Multi-
Viscosity oils such as SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30. These
are specified with a dual SAE viscosity grade which
indicates the cold (5W) to hot (20, 30) temperature
performance range of the oil.
CONTAINER IDENTIFICATION
The Engine Oil Certificarion Mark was developed
and trademarked by the API to refer customers to
those engine oils preferred by the automobile manu-
facturers. This symbol means that the oil has been
certified and licensed by the American Petroleum
Institute (API). This certification mark will only be
found on the front of the oil containers. Those oilsthat do not display the ªMarkº on the front of the
container should not be used (Fig. 2).
DiamlerChrysler only recommends API Certified
engine oils that meet the requirements of Material
Standard MS-6395. Use Mopar or an equivalent oil
meeting the specification MS-6395.
SYNTHETIC ENGINE OILS
There are a number of engine oils being promoted
as either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to
use such a product, useonlythose oils that are cer-
tified by the American Petroleum Institute (API) to
display the ªCertification Markº and show SAE vis-
cosity grade recommended for each vehicle. Follow
the service schedule that describes your driving type.
ENGINE OIL ADDITIVES/SUPPLEMENTS
The manufacturerdoes not recommendthe addi-
tion of any engine oil additives/supplements to the
specified engine oil. Engine oil additives/supplements
should not be used to enhance engine oil perfor-
mance. Engine oil additives/supplements should not
be used to extend engine oil change intervals. No
additive is known to be safe for engine durability and
can degrade emission components. Additives can con-
tain undesirable materials that harm the long term
durability of engines by:
²Increasing the level of Phosphorus and Sulfur in
the engine oil. The API Certified Engine Oils control
the Phosphorus and Sulfur contents of the oil to lev-
els that reduce the contamination effect on the vehi-
cles emission control system.
²Altering the viscosity characteristics of the
engine oil so that it no longer meets the require-
ments of the specified viscosity grade.
²Creating potential for an undesirable additive
compatibility interaction in the engine crankcase.
The engine oils contain a performance additive sys-
tem carefully developed to optimize the oils perfor-
mance in the engine. The addition of supplements
may cause the oil to thicken prematurely, cause
excessive deposit build up and potentially shorten
engine life.
AXLE LUBRICANTS
SAE ratings also apply to multigrade gear lubri-
cants. In addition, API classification defines the
lubricants usage. Such as API GL-5 and SAE 75W-
90.
LUBRICANTS AND GREASES
Lubricating grease is rated for quality and usage
by the NLGI. All approved products have the NLGI
symbol (Fig. 4) on the label. At the bottom of the
NLGI symbol is the usage and quality identification
letters. Wheel bearing lubricant is identified by the
Fig. 2 API Certification Mark
Fig. 3 5W-30 Oil Filler Cap
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FLUID TYPES (Continued)

For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates
between E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be
avoided. When you do switch fuels, it is recom-
mended that
²you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates
less than 1/4 full
²you do not add less than 5 gallons when refuel-
ing
²you operate the vehicle immediately after refuel-
ing for a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible
hard starting and/or significant deterioration in
driveability during warm up.
FFV STARTING
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable
for use when ambient temperatures fall below 0ÉF. In
the range of 0ÉF to 32ÉF, you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start,
and a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesi-
tations) until the engine is fully warmed up.
Engine Operating on E-85 Fuel
If vehicle operates on E-85 fuel either full or part-
time, use only MopartFlexible Fuel 5W-30 engine oil
or an equivalent that meets DaimlerChrysler Stan-
dard MS-9214. Equivalent commercial Flexible Fuel
engine oils may be labeled as Multi-Fuel, Variable
Fuel, Flexible Fuel, etc. These engine oils may be
satisfactory if they meet the DaimlerChrysler Stan-
dard.
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is preferred for use in Flex-
ible Fuel engines.
CAUTION: If Flexible Fuel engine oil is not used
when using E-85 fuel, engine wear or damage may
result.
CRUISING RANGE
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your MPG and your
driving range to decrease by about 30% compared to
gasoline operation.
DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC/MANUAL
TRANSAXLE FLUID
NOTE: Refer to the maintenance schedules for the
recommended maintenance (fluid/filter change)
intervals for these transaxles.
NOTE: All transaxles have a common transmission
and differential sump. Filling the transaxle accom-
modates the differential as well.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
MopartATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is
required in the 4XTE automatic and T850 manual
transaxles. Substitute fluids can induce transmission
problems and/or failure.
MopartATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it
can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle
such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not
permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition.
As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look
darker in color and may eventually become brown.
This is normal.ATF+4 also has a unique odor that
may change with age. Consequently,odor and color
cannot be used to indicate the fluid condition
or the need for a fluid change.
FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various ªspecialº additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additivesmust not be used.The use of trans-
mission ªsealersº should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission
seals.
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to meet all emissions reg-
ulations and provide excellent fuel economy and per-
formance when using high quality unleaded gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The use of premium
gasoline is not recommended. The use of premium
gasoline will provide no benefit over high quality reg-
ular gasoline, and in some circumstances may result
in poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not
harmful to your engine. However, continued heavy
spark knock at high speeds can cause damage and
immediate service is required. Engine damage result-
ing from operation with a heavy spark knock may
not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as
hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers world-wide have
issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications
(the Worldwide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel
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FLUID TYPES (Continued)

properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
performance and durability for your vehicle. We rec-
ommend the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC
specifications if they are available.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE
Many areas of the country require the use of
cleaner burning gasoline referred to as ªreformu-
latedº gasoline. Reformulated gasoline contain oxy-
genates, and are specifically blended to reduce
vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
We strongly support the use of reformulated gaso-
line. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability for the
engine and fuel system components.
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with
oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE.
Oxygenates are required in some areas of the country
during the winter months to reduce carbon monoxide
emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygenates may
be used in your vehicle.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline containing METH-
ANOL. Gasoline containing methanol may damage
critical fuel system components.
MMT IN GASOLINE
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive
that is blended into some gasoline to increase octane.
Gasoline blended with MMT provide no performance
advantage beyond gasoline of the same octane num-
ber without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT
reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. We recommend that
gasoline free of MMT be used in your vehicle. The
MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the
gasoline pump; therefore, you should ask your gaso-
line retailer whether or not his/her gasoline contains
MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasoline with-
out MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at
levels higher than allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California refor-
mulated gasoline.
SULFUR IN GASOLINE
If you live in the northeast United States, your
vehicle may have been designed to meet California
low emission standards with Cleaner-Burning Cali-
fornia reformulated gasoline with low sulfur. If such
fuels are not available in states adopting California
emission standards, your vehicles will operate satis-
factorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but
emission control system performance may beadversely affected. Gasoline sold outside of California
is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which may
affect the performance of the vehicle's catalytic con-
verter. This may cause the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL), Check Engine or Service Engine Soon
light to illuminate. We recommend that you try a dif-
ferent brand of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur
to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to
returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service.
CAUTION: If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL),
Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light is flash-
ing, immediate service is required; see on-board
diagnostics system section.
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL
All gasoline sold in the United States and Canada
are required to contain effective detergent additives.
Use of additional detergents or other additives is not
needed under normal conditions.
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS
CAUTION: Follow these guidelines to maintain your
vehicle's performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance, damage the emission control system, and
could result in loss of warranty coverage.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
²When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully
loaded vehicle when the humidity is low and the tem-
perature is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to
help prevent spark knock. If spark knock persists,
lighten the load, or engine piston damage may result.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being
sold as octane enhancers is not recommended. Most
of these products contain high concentrations of
methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor-
mance problems resulting from the use of such fuels
or additives is not the responsibility of
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and may not be covered
under the new vehicle warranty.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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